Sarah Reid
Bringing Healing and Connection to the Community
CLASS OF 2025
, 18 YEAR RESIDENT
For the past 18 years, Sarah Reid has proudly called Fort McMurray home. Originally from Sydney, Nova Scotia, she moved to the region to join her now-husband, Kyle, after a shift in her employment created the perfect moment for change. Nearly two decades later, she credits the community with shaping her family’s life in countless meaningful ways.
Sarah’s professional journey has never followed a straight line. She began with a diploma in Holistic Esthetics before later training with Equine Connection to become a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Today, she works as a facilitator with Fairytale Wellness and Horsemanship, where her passion for healing, connection, and nature comes to life.
The heart of her work lies in helping people slow down, reconnect with the land, and experience the profound bond between humans and horses. Seeing the joy and peace those moments bring makes every bit of effort worth it. In a region where access to such opportunities is limited, her work has opened a door to something both grounding and transformative.
Over the years, Sarah has supported a variety of community causes, but one of her most meaningful efforts has been fundraising through her handmade jewelry. Proceeds from these creations have gone to animal-focused organizations, including a memorable initiative in partnership with Horse Heroes Alberta, where funds helped save three horses in a matter of hours, now thriving in loving homes. She currently serves on the board of the Saprae Creek Residents Society, helping bring events and programming to her rural community.
At the heart of her work is a simple philosophy: creating connection through nature, horses, and heart. That belief touches every part of her life and the spaces she’s building.
None of it, she emphasizes, would be possible without the support of her husband, family, and friends. From hands-on help at events to moral support during long stretches of paperwork, her circle has stood behind her vision from the beginning—even when it was still just an idea. Their encouragement gave her the confidence to build something uniquely her own.
Her motivation to get involved in community initiatives stemmed from seeing a gap in local programming, particularly in Saprae Creek. That need led to her involvement with the Residents Society and, eventually, a place on the board. Watching neighbours enjoy events she helped bring to life has been one of her most rewarding experiences. “We all have something unique to bring to the table,” she says.
Sarah’s long-term vision is rooted in both aspiration and intention. She hopes to grow her ranch into a destination where people can slow down, connect with horses, and experience the therapeutic power of nature. As she develops the space, she continues to grow personally and professionally, striving to build something that reflects heart, purpose, and meaningful connection.
Her perspective on community involvement was deeply shaped by the 2016 wildfire, which devastated her family and left her feeling unprepared to cope. That experience revealed significant gaps in local wellness services, particularly those related to horses. A friend later encouraged her to offer a meditation visit with her horses during an event. This opportunity sparked the realization that she didn’t need to wait for someone else to bring these services to the region. From there, she took the leap.
She sees the region facing ongoing challenges: struggling businesses, limited programming for families, and the strain of busy lives. While there’s no single solution, Sarah believes small actions, like shopping locally, offering programs that support those in need, and taking time to recharge in nature, can make a real difference.
Looking ahead, Sarah is committed to helping shape the region’s future in a way that honours both community and connection. By sharing the magic of horses and the calm of the land, she hopes to show another side of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo—one built on spirit, heart, and belonging. Watching people form deeper connections with themselves, each other, and the land gives her hope that the region can grow not only economically, but also emotionally and culturally.
